Kenny Knott

Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you decided to study BA History at Leeds

I am originally from Bradford and joined the Army at 16, as I wanted to get away from home and see the world. I spent 15 years in the infantry and left at the rank of Corporal in 2017. I am married to my wife of nearly 9 years Natalie and have a 3-year-old daughter Matilda. I fell in love with the University of Leeds campus and facilities when I visited and being able to say that I attend the University of Leeds fills me with a sense of purpose and pride.   

I have always had a deep interest in History and my long term goal is to become a history teacher at a secondary school. But the wealth of available knowledge either from the library, online through Minerva or just speaking to my tutors has only swrved to stoke my academic fire.  

What aspects of your course do you enjoy?

I am enjoying writing my own questions and conducting my own research. Being able to read a vast and broad range of material as well as having access to wealth of primary source information, both off and on campus, is thrilling.  

I've been really suprised by the size and scale of the university. I have only ever glimpsed the grounds from the outside, but seeing it from within was truly impressive and surprising. It is like its own self-contained town in the centre of a city. 

The facilities available to students are very impressive. I have spent many hours in the Brotherton library reading obscure passages from books that have served to deepen my knowledge of a subject. The range of digital materials available is impressive too.  

I have also been to several workshops on essay writing and use of the library, and I would advise anybody who is not a hundred percent on a subject to look into them. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your BA History course?

Go for it! A degree is not easy, but if it was everybody would have one, but it is incredibly rewarding and the feeling of elation when you achieve a good mark for your work is gratifying. The skills I have developed, particularly in research and working as a small team, will no doubt serve me later on in life very well.